Is swimming allowed at Buttermilk Falls?

Yes, swimming is allowed at Buttermilk Falls.

Live Conditions · 218 ft³/s · About average

Buttermilk Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Buttermilk Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Buttermilk Falls.

New York • 165 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Mar 2026

Also For 22 other waterfalls also named Buttermilk Falls, see below

Photo Credits (5)

Dougtone CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

1.5 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

500 ft

About Buttermilk Falls

Tucked into Buttermilk Falls State Park just south of Ithaca, this Buttermilk Falls drops roughly 165 feet through a dramatic gorge, its frothy white cascades giving the falls their name. The site is one of the Finger Lakes region’s most photographed attractions, and — as Wikipedia notes — “Buttermilk Falls” is a name shared by several waterfalls; this particular waterfall is the signature feature of the state park and an easy destination for day visitors. The Gorge Trail threads along Buttermilk Creek to multiple overlooks of the main waterfall and smaller cascades, passing carved stone steps and sheltered pools. The hike is an out-and-back of about 1.5 miles with roughly 500 feet of cumulative elevation gain, rated moderate for its steep sections and uneven footing. For a longer loop, many visitors combine the Gorge Trail with the Rim Trail to return along the upper rim of the gorge within the state park.

The Setting

Buttermilk Falls sits at 604 feet along the Boquet River, in the foothills of New York. At 165 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in New York.

Height: 165 feet

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The moderate 1.5-mile out-and-back trail gains 500 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

Gorge Trail (out-and-back) — Length: ~1.5 miles round trip; Elevation gain: ~500 ft; Difficulty: Moderate. Surface and character: a mix of carved stone steps, packed dirt, and exposed roots with some short, steep pitches; footing can be uneven and slippery near water. The route follows the creek through the gorge to multiple viewpoints of the 165-foot main cascade; hikers looking for a loop can connect with the Rim Trail. Expect moderate grades on the descent/ascent and short stair-like sections rather than sustained technical climbing.

What to Expect

The falls plunge 165 feet. Swimming is permitted. Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Buttermilk Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $9.00

🏊 Is There Swimming at Buttermilk Falls?

✅ Swimming is allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal for viewing the falls at their fullest flow, while fall offers stunning foliage. The trail may be icy in winter, so caution is advised.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.

Safety Information

The trail can be slippery, especially after rain. Stay on marked trails and avoid climbing on rocks near the falls. Swimming is only permitted in designated areas.

Current Water Conditions

Updated 35 minutes ago Low

218 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

67 95 285 460

Based on 81 years of record

2.79 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is about average for this time of year.

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

BOQUET RIVER AT WILLSBORO NY

USGS 04276500

7.7 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 270 sq mi

Altitude: 150 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge BOQUET RIVER AT WILLSBORO NY (12 km away).

Moderate confidence

Low right now

218 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Low

218 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Low

204 cfs

6/10

Tue

Low

214 cfs

4/10

Wed

Moderate

214 cfs

4/10

Thu

Moderate

227 cfs

4/10

Fri

Moderate

216 cfs

4/10

Sat

Moderate

198 cfs

4/10

Best window: Today — low flow, sunny (trip score 6/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid March to early June, peaking in April.

How we calculate this

This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Keeseville hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Weather Forecast

Location & Access

Getting There

Buttermilk Falls is located in Buttermilk Falls State Park, just south of Ithaca, New York. The main entrance is off Route 13, and the falls are easily accessible from the parking area.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is a designated parking area near the base of the falls, with ample space during most times of the year. Parking may fill up during peak seasons.

Elevation

604 feet above sea level

Coordinates

44.466160° N, -73.436800° W

Visitor Tips & Gear

Arrive early during weekends or peak seasons to secure parking. Wear sturdy footwear as the trail can be slippery, especially after rain. Bring water and be prepared for some steep sections.

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With 1.5 miles and 500 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.

Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)

Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.

Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket

Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.

Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag

Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.

Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)

Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.

Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof

Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.

TrailBuddy Trekking Poles

Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.

Where to Stay

Green Mountain Suites Hotel

9.1 1,819 reviews

Stunning South Hero Home on Lake Champlain w/ View

Fairfield Inn by Marriott Burlington Williston

8.5 537 reviews

Hilton Garden Inn Burlington Downtown

8.3 479 reviews

See all hotels near Keeseville

Cabins & Rentals VRBO

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip

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Additional Information

Nearby Attractions

Other nearby attractions include Taughannock Falls State Park, Robert H. Treman State Park, and the city of Ithaca with its vibrant downtown and Cornell University.